Source: foxnews.com
Image content: The image shows a wooden coffin containing a deceased person dressed in ornate red and white religious vestments, hands clasped with a rosary. Two clergy members in purple robes stand beside the coffin, one pointing or adjusting something inside, suggesting a funeral or ceremonial viewing.
Summary
Multiple reports announce the death of Pope Francis at age 88 and detail his intentionally modest, newly reformed funeral rites. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will certify the death, deface the Fisherman’s Ring to prevent forgeries, and oversee preparations, including sealing papal apartments. Francis’ body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing before a funeral Mass and nine days of memorial liturgies. Departing from recent tradition, he will be interred privately at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—reflecting his personal devotion—rather than in the Vatican grottoes. Reforms he approved eliminate the triple coffin, simplify titles used in rites, and underscore humility and pastoral identity, with symbolic items placed in a single simple coffin.
Key Points
- Pope Francis dies at 88 after recent health struggles, formally announced by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
- Funeral reforms emphasize simplicity: single coffin, simpler titles, open-casket lying in state, and burial at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Camerlengo will deface the Fisherman’s Ring to prevent forged documents, continuing a tradition adapted after 2013.
- Rites proceed in three phases: death certification and formalities, three-day public viewing with funeral Mass and Novendialis, then private interment.
- Changes reflect Francis’ pastoral focus and lessons from Benedict XVI’s atypical resignation and funeral.